The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1887-07-15
A Holy Kiss.
From the Detroit Free Press.

He was tall and angular and ex-
tremely grave. He wore suit OF
black broadcloth and snowy linen, as
became his dignity as clergyman.
He sat erect in the corner OF the sofa,
with both feet placed squarely on the
floor and his fingers interlocked be-
fore him.
She was rather below the medium
size. Her hair was combed smooth.
sly back and coiled in simple knot
behind. Her dress was devoid of
ruffle or plating, but scrupulously
neat IN its simplicity. She sat at the
farther end Of the sofa, with her eyes
modestly fastened upon her folded
hands.
Silence reigned.
The clock ticked in slow measure,
as if duly impressed with solemnnity
OF the occasion.
The cat by the hearth washed her
face industrlously, blinked her sleepy
eyes at the two on the sofa and then
curled herself up for q quiet nap.
He turned himself partly toward
her, and his eyes rested upon her
with satisfaction. His lips parted.
MARY"
She raised her eyes to his face.
do you remember it is seven years
tonight since our betrothal!"
Mary's eyes fell to her hands again
as she murmured:
Eyes, remember"
A long pause, in which Mary chang
cd the folding Of her hand. Again he
spoke grayely:
81 have been thinking. Mary, you
feel as though you knew me? As if
you could trust me? These seven
years have been years of peace and
pleasure, have they not, Maryf"
"Oh. yes" sighed Mary.
'tMary, it has come to me that this
is quite befitting time to seal our
betrothal."
Mary in doubt raised her eyes to
his.
Has the thought come to you,
Nary"
But still Mary looked at him In
wonder. He shifted his position a
little and then tried to make his
thought moreplain to her,
MARY, you remember in the Bible
they used signs OF affection we use
not. Does it not seem beftting WE
should follow the exampie given us
and greet each other with holy
kiss?"
Mary's eyes fell to her hands again,
"speak, Mary; what is your thought
on the subject?"
Thus appealed to, Mary answered
/ = IL Lor, al, T1,o,~t,
He rose to his full height from the
sofa, and took O. step toward her,
Mary rose to, and stood with down.
cast eyes and clasped hands before
him. The cat was still sleeping. He
drew q step nearer ard took her hand
lightly in his. The color began to
mount to her face,
"Shall it be tomorrow night,
Nary"
"As you like, Joseph"
"At Z o'clock"
"At T." said Mary, and he left her
The next night Mary, feeling rather
more uneasy than usual sat at hel
| knitting and watched the hands OF the
clock. Just as the hands pointed OK
actly at o'clock the knocker at the
front door rose and fell. She laiG
aside her knitting and went with out
ward calmness to let him in as usual
He left his outside coat in the hall
and theycame into the room together
He glanced at the clock. at is 7
| You remember OF what we were speak
ing last evening, Mary? Shall we asl
a blessing that it may prove all WI
may anticipate, thai we may not b.
disappointed?"
They knelt while he put the peti
tion.
! And now, as they rose from thei
knees, he approached her, and tn
trying ordenl was passed through
with.
1t must have proved most satistac
tory, for when it had been repeated
several times, Joseph exclaimed:
"That is good. What we have miss
ed these seven years! Let us returl
th anks."